Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers are going their separate ways. The 49ers appear to want a young offensive mind who will probably be much easier to appease than Harbaugh was. Harbaugh should be touching down in Michigan soon enough.
His departure has sparked a wide range of emotions. Players shared positive feelings about their former head coach, but 49ers fans were more bittersweet. Below is a sampling of some of those thoughts. There are sure to be many more in the coming hours and days.
49ers players:
I will always have a great deal of respect for Coach Harbaugh. Recruited me to Stanford & helped save my NFL career
— Jonathan A. Martin (@J_Martin71) December 29, 2014
That TEAM WIN today in these circumstances was a testament to the type of character and competitors we have in that locker room. #49ers
— Bam Davis (@AnthonyDavis76) December 29, 2014
Great Game and Win against my former team! bitter sweet cause I Respect and support Coach Harbaugh. He has a life long Friend in me!
— Alfonso Smith † (@FonzoRB29) December 29, 2014
Skuta asked about sending Harbaugh out on high note: "Exactly the same thing as Justin [Smith], same thing with Harbaugh"
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) December 29, 2014
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick:
"A lot of us have been with coach Harbaugh since he's been here. And the players that were here before him saw how he turned things around and turned this organization back into a winning one. It's tough to let that go, but at the same time, we have to keep moving forward as players because our careers keep going on."
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin:
"Definitely weird. He had a lot to do with me re-signing back to the team. So, it's definitely weird. For me, it's something that you didn't see coming especially with what he had done in previous years. I mean, unprecedented, first three years that you go to at least the NFC Championship. So, definitely didn't see that coming."
Offensive lineman Alex Boone
"It's the NFL. It is what it is, you take it one day at a time. Enjoy the moment, enjoy this game tonight and we'll see what this offseason brings for everybody."
Cornerback Chris Culliver:
"I just appreciate everything from him and all the coaches. Like I said, it is a good feeling to get this win and celebrate with my teammates."
SB Nation Studios presents: A look at the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry
49ers fans and media:
The fact that Jim Harbaugh always took the high road just further proves that he's a winner and a class act.
— Gideon Yu (@gideonyu) December 29, 2014
Always said it's up to York and Baalke if they couldn't stand Harbaugh, but a grown-up administration figures out how to do it.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) December 29, 2014
Never once been embarrassed of my team, but I am today. I hate the way this was handled. #49ers
— So Cali Steph (@SoCaliSteph) December 29, 2014
Hahahaha. Welcome to yesterday RT @AdamSchefter: Jim Harbaugh and 49ers have mutually parted ways, per source.
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) December 29, 2014
If I learned anything from Harbaugh's time with Stanford, it's that Ohio State and Urban Meyer should watch out. He comes at the king.
— Sam Fisher (@samfisher908) December 28, 2014
No matter what happens @49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh has given Niner Fans the best memories since the glory days of Montana & Young Thanks Coach
— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) December 28, 2014
I never thought Rex Ryan would outlast Jim Harbaugh.
— Dylan DeSimone (@DeSimone_80) December 29, 2014
I'm still not getting the people that put this all the way on the 49ers' front office. I think Harbaugh wanted out for a ton of reasons.
— James Brady (@JamesBradySBN) December 29, 2014
Michigan fans and media:
"There will be announcements made" GODDAMNIT JIM A MICHIGAN MAN DOESN'T USE PASSIVE VOICE CONSTRUCTIONS
— Jane Coaston (@cjane87) December 29, 2014
In honor of the man himself: Jim Harbaugh, Maize Rage will be hosting a "Khaki out" for the game on Tuesday. Wear your khakis and GO BLUE!
— Maize Rage (@UMMaizeRage) December 29, 2014
Tomorrow is Harbaugh Eve.
— Gregg Henson (@GreggHenson) December 29, 2014
Crazy to think #Michigan pulled this off in retrospect. The planets truly aligned for this one.
— Steve Lorenz (@TremendousUM) December 29, 2014
How soon will @zingermans have a Jim Harbaugh sandwich on the menu @AdamSchefter @mbeck11 @jayfeely @StevieBrown27 @MGoEinstein
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) December 29, 2014